Beat the ”Mommy Blues”

March 20, 2011 by
mom

Having a baby is supposed to be a time of excitement and joy.  However, life has a tendency to surprise us and things do not always end up how we planned.  If you are feeling down, doubting your ability to be a mom, or confused or disappointed about your emotions, here are some tips to keep in consideration: 1. You’re not alone.  Research indicates that anywhere from 30 to 80% of new moms experience “mommy blues” and 10 to 25% experience more severe symptoms, or postpartum depression.  Ask others if mommy hood was a more difficult adjustment than they expected…you may be surprised that even … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Adjustment/Transition, Adult Mental Health, Depression, Healthy Mommy & Baby, Mental Wellness, Women's Health

ADHD and Diet

February 20, 2011 by
MH900316874

A recent study proved that a restricted diet resulted in decreased symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).  100 children ages 4 to 8 diagnosed with ADHD were put on a restricted elimination diet of unprocessed rice, meat, vegetables, pears, and water, for five weeks.  Professor Buitelaar and his team found that ADHD symptoms reduced in 78% of the children.  In addition, when processed foods where re-introduced to the diet, there was a 63% relapse in behavior. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.  Many professionals note the trend in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Attention/Focus, Child/Teen Health, Child/Teen Mental Health, Child/Teen Nutrition, Nutrition

Vegetarian Food and Mood

February 20, 2011 by
Fresh vegetables falling

We all know we are what we eat…we also feel what we eat.  A recent study in Nutrition Journal found that vegetarians report lower levels of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.  They reported overall superior mood levels than meat eaters.  Author Dr. Mary noted this can be attributed to vegetarians consuming more omega-3 fats in their vegetables than meat eaters obtain from an occasional fish dinner.  Besides elevated mood, a vegetarian diet is often associated with other physical health benefits including reduced risk of heart attacks, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Depression, Healthy Eating, Mental Wellness

Newsbite: Meditation Reduces Heart Disease

January 20, 2011 by
meditation_Sep08

A recent study found that the practice of meditation reduced cardiac disease risk by nearly 50%.  During the nine year study, 201 African American men and women, average age 59 years and identified with narrowing cardiovascular arteries, were randomly assigned to either practice a form of meditation or participate in a control group which received health education classes including topics of diet and exercise.  The meditation group practiced Transcendental Meditation (TM) twenty minutes twice a day.  Results included 47% reduction in death, heart attacks, and strokes in the participants who … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Integrative Wellness, Mindfulness, Physical Health, Physical Illness, Stress/Anxiety